AGENDA #5d
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Report to Council Regarding Traffic Conditions Following Completion of a Natural Surface Pedestrian Trail Connection to Lancaster Drive
DATE: January 23, 2006
PURPOSE
In 2001, the Council adopted a resolution directing the Manager to report to the Council on traffic conditions following completion of a natural surface pedestrian trail connection from the Meadowmont Town Park to Lancaster Drive. The purpose of this memorandum is to present the report to the Council.
BACKGROUND
On November 21, 2001, the Town Council approved a Special Use Permit for the Meadowmont Town Park. In addition to several playing fields, the approved plan included two natural surface pedestrian trails within the park, including a trail connection to Lancaster Drive. During the 2001 Public Hearing, several Lancaster Drive residents expressed concern that the proposed trail connection would generate additional pedestrian and vehicular traffic along Lancaster Drive. In response to residents’ concerns, the Council adopted a resolution (Attachment 1), directing the Manager to prepare a report within three to six months following completion of the Park’s pedestrian connection to Lancaster Drive. The resolution also directed the Manager to mail a notice of the report to all property owners within 1,000 feet of the intersection of the pedestrian trail connection and Lancaster Drive.
DISCUSSION
Early last year, work on the Meadowmont Town Park, including the natural surface trail, was completed. A map from the Town’s Greenway Master Plan, identifying the natural surface trails in the Meadowmont Town Park is attached (Attachment 2). Recently, staff observed traffic conditions on Lancaster Drive near the pedestrian trail intersection. Based on these observations, at various times on different days, we believe the natural surface trail is not generating traffic problems associated with on-street parking on Lancaster Drive at the trail entrance. The Council recently approved a speed table near the pedestrian trail. The proposed speed table should improve pedestrian safety on Lancaster Drive.
A notice concerning tonight’s meeting, and the availability of this memorandum on the Town’s Web site, was recently mailed to all property owners within 1,000 feet of the intersection of the pedestrian trail and Lancaster Drive. See attached area map (Attachment 3).
RECOMMENDATION
We recommend that the Council take no action.
ATTACHMENTS
